2,000 migrants rescued near Libyan coast

At least 2,000 migrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast, according to Italian authorities.

Two Italian navy ships took part in the initial rescue operation after two overcrowded migrants boats signaled they were in danger of sinking. Later, other Italian ships and a Norwegian military vessel joined the rescue efforts.

More than 2,000 migrants have died this year while attempting to cross over to Europe in overcrowded, unsafe boats, according to UN estimates.